What is the TDF?
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is a voluntary initiative led by the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). It allows visitors to make a small optional contribution during their stay or experience, helping to support projects that strengthen Guyana’s tourism industry for the long term.
Proceeds will be used on three areas:
Participation is always optional, and every contribution goes toward initiatives that improve the quality, sustainability, and global competitiveness of Guyana’s tourism sector.
- Marketing Guyana both regionally and internationally.
- The preservation and maintenance of sites that are part of our heritage and history.
- Education and hands-on training initiatives for our young people to assist in employment within tourism.
How the TDF Works
- Visitors may be invited to contribute a small voluntary amount at checkout or point of service
- Contributions are collected by participating tourism businesses
- Funds are pooled and administered by THAG
- Projects are selected based on industry needs and long-term impact
- Progress and outcomes are shared through impact updates
The TDF is not a tax and not mandatory. Visitors who choose not to contribute still receive the same level of service.
Typical Contribution Amounts
Participating businesses invite guests to make a small voluntary contribution, based on the type of service provided.
Typical contribution amounts include:
- Hotels & Lodges:
- Restaurants, Bars & Cafés:
- Tour Operators:
- G$1,000 or US$5 per booking or per person
- Transportation Providers:
- G$1,000 or US$5 per transfer or trip
Contribution amounts are clearly communicated at checkout or point of service, and guests may choose whether or not to participate.
What Your Contribution Supports
Contributions to the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) are directed toward initiatives that support the overall growth and sustainability of Guyana’s tourism sector. Funds are allocated across three core focus areas:
- Product Development - Supporting improvements that enhance the quality and sustainability of Guyana’s tourism product.
- Marketing - Supporting efforts that promote Guyana as a tourism destination and strengthen industry visibility
- Capacity Building - Supporting initiatives that build skills, strengthen standards, and support the development of the tourism workforce
Previous Initiatives Supported
Through the Tourism Development Fund and industry collaboration, THAG has supported a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening Guyana’s tourism sector, including:
- Bird Trail Signage at the Botanical Gardens - Supporting visitor navigation, education, and the promotion of birdwatching and nature-based tourism.
- COVID-19 Relief for Members (C-19 Kit Programme) - Providing critical support to tourism businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Server Training - Delivering training initiatives focused on improving service standards and professionalism within the food and beverage sector.
- Booking Engine for Sector Members (discontinued) - An early initiative aimed at supporting online bookings for tourism businesses. While the programme is no longer active, it provided valuable learning that informs future digital initiatives.
These initiatives reflect the Fund’s focus on practical, sector-wide impact and continuous learning.
Potential Priority Areas (Upon Restart)
Following the restart of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), THAG will assess the following potential priority areas
- Health & Safety Training Supporting safer, more professional service environments across the tourism and hospitality sector.
- Development of a Customer Service E-Manual a sector-wide digital manual outlining service standards, best practices, and visitor experience guidelines.
- Customer Service Training Practical training initiatives aimed at improving service quality and consistency across the industry.
- Support for Guyanese chefs to participate in Taste of the Caribbean - showcasing local talent and empowering chefs to improve standards.
- Providing Support to the Tourism Site Management Initiative Supporting systems for the sustainable upkeep of tourism sites, with the Fund enabling/supporting direct maintenance and targeted improvements.
These initiatives are aimed at strengthening local talent, improving standards, and enhancing Guyana’s tourism product.
Transparency & Accountability
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is guided by a Special Committee composed of key industry and public-sector representatives. The Committee ensures that projects supported by the Fund deliver strong, measurable impact across priority areas such as training, marketing, product development, and heritage and environmental protection.
THAG uses its existing administrative resources to manage the Fund, ensuring that all contributions collected are directed toward project implementation.
TDF Oversight Committee (chosen from the wider society) includes:
- Committee Chairman: Mr. Harryram Parmesar, Managing Director of Parmesar Accountants
- Mr. Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority
- Ms. Nirvana Persaud-Ramdyal, CEO of Guyana National Trust
- Mr. Mitra Ramkumar, President of the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana
- Mr. Lorenzo Persaud, Treasurer of the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana
Thank You for Supporting Guyana’s Tourism
By choosing to contribute, visitors help support the people, places, and experiences that make Guyana unique. Every contribution plays a role in building a stronger tourism industry.
